The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2025–26 offers a fully funded opportunity for international students and Italian citizens residing abroad to pursue Master’s, PhD, research, or advanced courses in Italy. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year to foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad. These grants aim to promote cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, support Italy’s global economic presence, and encourage the study of the Italian language and culture.
The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and includes health insurance. The scholarships are intended for study, research, or training programs at public or accredited Italian institutions and are only valid for courses that require onsite attendance in Italy. Applications are open until 16 May 2025, 2:00 PM CET.
Universities/Institutions Details
- Funded By: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
- Host Country: Italy
- University: The MAECI Scholarship is applicable across numerous Italian public universities and AFAM institutions.
- Degree Level: Master’s or PhD Scholarships
- Scholarship Duration: 9 months (Renewable)
- Duration:
- Master’s programs: Typically 2 years
- Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) programmes: Up to 9 months
- PhD programs: Usually 3–4 years
- Research projects: Up to 9 months
- AFAM and Italian language/culture courses: Generally 3 months
Study Areas
The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship supports studies in diverse areas, including:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Arts and Music (AFAM)
- Italian Language and Culture
Italian Government MAECI Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the MAECI Scholarship enjoy several benefits:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Exemption from enrollment and tuition fees at participating institutions.
- Health and Medical Insurance: A collective health insurance is provided by MAECI for the grant duration.
- Cultural and Academic Exchange: Opportunity to engage in Italy’s rich cultural and academic environment.
- Total grant amount: €9,000, paid in three installments:
- First installment (€4,500): Paid from November 2025, after confirming arrival in Italy and enrollment.
- Second installment (€2,500): Paid from February 2026, upon verification of attendance.
- Third installment (€2,000): Paid from June 2026, after confirming satisfactory academic progress (e.g., 25 CFU for degree programs).
- For PhD and research projects, progress is verified by a tutor’s statement.
- Renewals follow the same payment structure.
- For Italian language and culture courses: €3,000, paid in one installment upon confirmation of presence and enrollment.
- Scholarships are Renewable
- For More Details, Visit Application Guide
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship is comprehensive, it does not cover:
- Travel Expenses: Costs for international travel to and from Italy.
- Accommodation: Housing arrangements and related expenses.
- Personal Expenses: Miscellaneous personal costs.
RENEWALS
- Applicants who received the MAECI scholarship in 2024–2025 can apply for renewal for the same program and institution.
- The program’s legal duration must not be exceeded.
- Renewal is not limited to applicants residing abroad.
- Preference is given to students who are regularly enrolled and have earned at least 15 University Credits (CFU).
- Students with fewer than 15 CFU may still apply.
- For PhD programs, a positive tutor evaluation letter is required.
- Renewals must be submitted via the Study in Italy portal.
- Renewals are not available for:
- Research projects under academic supervision.
- Italian language and culture advanced courses.
- New applications must be submitted for new research projects.
ELIGIBILITIES for Italian Government MAECI Scholarship
- Applications must be submitted through the official portal by May 16, 2025, 2:00 PM CET.
- Applicants must upload a valid passport or identity document at registration.
Academic Qualifications
- Applicants must be foreign students or Italian citizens living abroad (IRE).
- Must hold the academic qualifications required for enrollment at the chosen institution.
- High school students from eligible Italian schools need to show proof of final year attendance and later submit their diploma for visa.
Age Limits (as of May 16, 2025)
- Bachelor’s or Single-Cycle Degrees: max age 23 (born after May 16, 2002)
- Master’s/AFAM/Language Courses: max age 28 (born after May 16, 1996)
- PhD Programs: max age 30 (born after May 16, 1994)
- Research Projects: max age 40 (born after May 16, 1984)
- Exceptions apply to renewals.
Exclusions – Who Cannot Apply
- Italian Public Administration employees and their children.
- Applicants enrolling in:
- Bachelor’s degree programs (except AFAM).
- Single-cycle degree programs (“Lauree magistrali a ciclo unico”), with specific exceptions.
- First/Second-level postgraduate Master programs.
- One-year/single university or specialization courses.
- Programs at foreign institutions, even if based in Italy.
- Programs at non-MUR-recognized private institutions or research centers.
- Part-time programs or studies beyond the legal program duration (“fuori corso”).
Incompatibility Rules
- Cannot combine this grant with any other Italian government or public institution scholarship.
- Compatible with Erasmus/Erasmus+ or international institution-funded programs.
- However, no grant payments during study periods outside of Italy.
- Absences from Italy over 15 consecutive days must be reported with reasons; the grant may be reduced proportionally.
Enrollment & Visa
- Grantees must complete all enrollment procedures with their institution.
- Visa applications must be submitted in time to ensure arrival before the grant starts.
- Applicants for “Costruiamo il futuro” must provide their high school diploma for visa processing.
Language Proficiency
- Italian-taught programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, AFAM): B2 level in Italian (CEFR) required.
- May also submit a certificate from a previous Italian course.
- Esame di Stato students are exempt.
- English-taught programs: B2 level in English (CEFR) required.
- Applicants from English-speaking countries may self-certify.
- Those with English-taught Bachelor’s degrees can submit confirmation of language of instruction.
- Italian language and culture courses: A2 level in Italian (CEFR) required.
- May submit a certificate from a relevant course provider.
- PhD and Research Projects: No language certificate required (unless requested by institution).
Eligible Countries for the MAECI Scholarship
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Burkina-Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Cyprus
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- South Korea
- Ivory Coast
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- The Russian Federation
- the Philippines
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Japan
- Djibouti
- Jordan
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Equatorial Guinea
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lesotho
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Lithuania
- North Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Mali
- Malta
- Morocco
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
- Czech Republic
- Central African Republic
- Dominican Republic
- Romania
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Syria
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Switzerland
- Eswatini
- Tajikistan
- Taiwan
- Tanzania
- Palestinian Territories
- Thailand
- East Timor
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uganda
- Hungary
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Valid Passport or ID: A copy of a valid identification document.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed academic and professional background.
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Certified copies of previous degrees and transcripts.
- Language Proficiency Proof: Certificates demonstrating required language skills.
- Motivation Letter: A statement outlining the applicant’s goals and reasons for applying.
- Recommendation Letters: Letters from academic or professional references.
- Research Proposal: (For research applicants) A detailed plan of the proposed research.
Italian Government MAECI Scholarship Application Process
To apply for the MAECI Scholarship:
- Access the Online Portal: Apply exclusively online at: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it
- Register an Account: Create a user profile to access the application system.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal and academic information.
- Upload Required Documents: Ensure all documents are clear and in PDF format.
- Submit the Application: Review all information and submit before the deadline.
- Helpful links:
- Registration Guide
- FAQs
Selection & Awarding
- Evaluated by the Italian Diplomatic Mission based on eligibility and merit.
- Rankings are published on the relevant Mission’s website.
- Only selected candidates will be notified via the portal.
- Non-listed applicants are not selected.
- If rankings are not public for privacy reasons, winners will be informed individually.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin the application process well before the deadline to gather all necessary documents.
- Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate your academic goals and how they align with the scholarship.
- Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all information and documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Highlight Achievements: Emphasize academic and extracurricular accomplishments in your CV.
- Seek Feedback: Have someone review your application materials for clarity and coherence.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Italy
- Accommodation: €300–€600/month (varies by city)
- Food and groceries: €150–€250/month
- Transportation: €25–€45/month (public transport pass)
- Study materials and internet: €50–€100/month
- Personal expenses (leisure, clothing, etc.): €100–€200/month
- Estimated total: €650–€1,200/month
Why You Should Choose This Opportunity
- Offers fully funded support for high-quality education in Italy
- Covers tuition, monthly stipend, and medical insurance
- Opens access to top-ranked public universities
- Provides a chance to experience Italy’s rich culture and history
- Enhances career prospects with international academic exposure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the MAECI scholarship?
Foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad with the required academic qualifications. - Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes. Under 28 for Master’s/AFAM, under 30 for PhD, and under 40 for research. - What language proficiency is needed?
B2 in English or Italian depending on the course; A2 for Italian language courses. - Can I apply for multiple programs?
Yes, but you must prioritize your preferred choice within the application. - Does the scholarship cover travel expenses?
No, international travel costs are not included.
Official Link for More Details and Application
